Across the UAE, generous stretches of sand are open year-round for people who want to bask under the sun or play outdoors safely. These beaches are not just for swimming or lounging on the shores, some also include an array of water sports, dining options and more.
Whether you're keen to bring your pet dog or hoping to spot some wildlife, here are some public beaches to check out across the Emirates.
Dubai
Sunset Beach
Also known as Umm Suqeim Beach, this spot comes with clear views of Burj Al Arab. It's also a picture-perfect spot for sunsets, as the name suggests. The beach is quieter than other spots along the coast, which makes it ideal for relaxed mornings or sundowners with families and friends. Runners can also take advantage of the beachside track, while surfers can take their boards and ride waves at the surfing-only zones in the water.
It’s also one of the few places in the city where night swimming is allowed. After dark, the lights turn on and people are allowed to swim 30 metres out to sea until lights out at midnight.
Daily, 24 hours; Umm Suqeim
Jumeirah Public Beach
Also known as Nessnass Beach, this is another popular spot for water-based adventure. Some people go kitesurfing, others go windsurfing. A range of water sports facilities are available, from paddleboarding to kayaking, where beachgoers can book lessons or rent equipment. For those who want to simply relax, there's plenty of space for that here, too.
A selection of food and drink spots are nearby to refuel after a day of swimming and water sports. Night swimming is also allowed thanks to round-the-clock lifeguards.
Daily, 24 hours; Jumeirah 2
Kite Beach
Kite Beach has everything, making it one of the city's most popular spots. Visitors can try kitesurfing, wakeboarding and a range of other water activities. If you prefer to stay dry on the sand, there are facilities for sports such as beach volleyball. During the winter, other sports areas also pop up.
Kite Beach is home to a 14km running track, perfect for those looking to register some steps with a sea view. The area has good views of Burj Al Arab on the horizon and night swimming is also allowed.
Several shops and food trucks are tucked in one corner. There's also the popular burger chain Salt. For those looking to enjoy the beach on sun loungers, day passes are available at Sole Mio.
While the beach is accessible 24/7, the shops are open from 10am to 10pm. During weekends, a selection of shops are open until midnight.
Daily, 24 hours; Umm Suqeim, near Jumeirah Beach Road; kitebeach.ae
The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence
This beach is one of the busiest ones on the list and offers plenty of family-friendly fun and seaside entertainment, from water sports to an adjoining cinema complex.
Visitors can try parasailing and wakeboarding or opt for banana boat and jet ski rides. Fishing trips and a yacht tour are also on offer. There are dozens of cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours dotted along the promenade, while a 600-metre running track is on hand if you're keen to work up a sweat.
Swimming is free, while visitors can rent sunbeds and cabanas for a more comfortable experience. Towels and lockers can be rented, too, and there is a small fee for shower access.
Retail stores are open from 10am to 11pm. Restaurants are open from 10am to midnight Saturday to Wednesday; and 10am to 1am Thursday and Friday. Night swimming is not allowed.
Jumeirah Beach Residence; thebeach.ae
Dubai Islands Beach
This is the perfect spot for those with furry companions – as it's the only pet-friendly beach in Dubai. Located off the coast of Deira, dogs are welcome to tag along with their owners for a scenic jog or swim. Non-motorised water sports are on offer, such as kayaking and paddleboarding to keep the waters safe for pets.
One of the newer options on the list, Dubai Islands Beach still has a few areas in development. In the coming months, it will welcome more amenities and dining concepts. Currently, basic amenities, including bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers, are available.
Daily, 24 hours; Dubai Islands; nakheel.com
Al Mamzar Beach Park
More of a complex than an individual beach, the entire area covers 106 hectares for plenty of family-friendly fun. It is home to five pristine beaches, three swimming pools and children's play areas. Plenty of grassy areas are available with winding foot and bike paths, as well as picnic and barbecue zones. During the summer, visitors can rent air-conditioned chalets.
There are a variety of water activities, from jet skiing to paddleboarding. Sports courts, such as volleyball and basketball, are available as well. There's also an amphitheatre for live performances. Bicycles are available to rent, too.
Cafes, restaurants and food kiosks are peppered across the park, including a branch of the prominent casual spot Filli Cafe.
Sunday to Wednesday, 8am-10pm; Thursday to Saturday, 8am-11pm; Dh5 per person; Al Mamzar
Abu Dhabi
Corniche Beach
This 2km beach is divided into three sections. Single visitors and larger groups can enter at Gate 4, while Gates 2 and 3 are more suited to families with smaller children, cordoned off with a fence. Shower areas, changing rooms and cabanas are available, while sunseekers can also rent loungers and umbrellas. A lifeguard is on duty until sunset.
Sand and sea aside, there's a children's area and a cycling path. Several sports facilities, including five volleyball courts and two football pitches, are free to use. Water sports operators are also in the area to offer activities such as kayaking and boat charters.
Daily, 8am-8pm; Dh10 per adult, Dh5 per child; Corniche Road
Al Bateen Beach
This 800-metre stretch of sand overlooks Hudayriyat Island and the landmark bridge connecting it to west Abu Dhabi. The spot is ideal for waterfront picnics, swimming and some water sports action, from kayaking to paddling. Visitors can also play beach volleyball on the shore or rent a jet ski.
Daily, 8am-sunset; Al Bateen
Marsana Beach
This beach on Hudayriyat Island features a range of activities, from volleyball courts to an outdoor gym. There are cycle paths, too, as well as a skate park for riders of all ages and skill levels.
The beach is also home to a splash park, where several water-themed attractions for children and adults are available. Aqua Park Marsana is an inflatable water park for children and the young at heart. There's a children's pool and play area, as well as several water sports activities to indulge in, such as jet skis for hire and banana boat rides.
Food trucks are at the ready to keep visitors replenished, too.
Monday to Friday, 8am-11pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am-midnight; Hudayriyat Island; marsana.ae
Kai Beach
This beach on Saadiyat Island offers a relaxing mix of sand and nature. Dozens of sunbeds and cabanas are available to rent, which make ideal spots for keeping an eye on the waters for bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.
Kai Beach provides showers, changing rooms and restrooms. Beachgoers can order food and drinks from the MLT food truck, and no outside food will be allowed in.
Daily, 7am-sunset; Dh85 per adult, Dh40 per child on weekdays; Dh105 per adult, Dh60 per child on weekends and public holidays; Saadiyat Island; kaibeachsaadiyat.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Flamingo Beach
This beach is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The area is named after two large flamingo statues placed near the waterline. The shallow shores and gentle currents make the water family-friendly. Beachgoers can also enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Visitors can keep an eye out for camels that wander down the shores to bathe.
Ample car parking is available, and a small hub of coffee shops and cafes is nearby.
Daily, 6am-8pm; Al Nadiyah
Fujairah
Umbrella Beach
A jogging trail, a padel academy, beach volleyball courts and numerous restaurants are scattered across Umbrella Beach, a recreational complex in Fujairah. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the beach has several picnic spots and seating areas for families, and the waters are shallow with gentle waves. There are play areas and places to try water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling.
Daily, 24 hours; Rugalayat Road; umbrella-beach.com
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
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FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
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Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
The Specs:
The Specs:
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 444bhp
Torque: 600Nm
Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT
On sale: now.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
My Country: A Syrian Memoir
Kassem Eid, Bloomsbury
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
PRIMERA LIGA FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (3pm)
Alaves v Real Madrid (6.15pm)
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao (8.30pm)
Girona v Barcelona (10.45pm)
Sunday
Espanyol v Deportivo la Coruna (2pm)
Getafe v Villarreal (6.15pm)
Eibar v Celta Vigo (8.30pm)
Las Palmas v Leganes (8.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Valencia (10.45pm)
Monday
Real Betis v Levante (11.pm)
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
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Results
2.30pm: Dubai Creek Tower – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Marmara Xm, Gary Sanchez (jockey), Abdelkhir Adam (trainer)
3pm: Al Yasmeen – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: AS Hajez, Jesus Rosales, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.30pm: Al Ferdous – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Soukainah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
4pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah – Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: AF Thayer, Ray Dawson, Ernst Oertel
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup – Handicap (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: George Villiers, Antonio Fresu, Bhupat Seemar
5pm: Palma Spring – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Es Abu Mousa, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
Scores in brief:
Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).
The Saudi Cup race card
1 The Jockey Club Local Handicap (TB) 1,800m (Dirt) $500,000
2 The Riyadh Dirt Sprint (TB) 1,200m (D) $1.500,000
3 The 1351 Turf Sprint 1,351m (Turf) $1,000,000
4 The Saudi Derby (TB) 1600m (D) $800,000
5 The Neom Turf Cup (TB) 2,100m (T) $1,000,000
6 The Obaiya Arabian Classic (PB) 2,000m (D) $1,900,000
7 The Red Sea Turf Handicap (TB) 3,000m (T) $2,500,000
8 The Saudi Cup (TB) 1,800m (D) $20,000,000
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
